Terrifier screened at the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

In a year where larger budget horror films have dominated the box office, it’s refreshing to see a film like Terrifier get released. Why? Because it’s the complete antithesis of what “success” looks like these days. It’s made on a shoestring budget, it’s gritty and unpleasant to look at, and it portrays a level of violence on screen that most distributors wouldn’t dare touch. It’s not trying to appeal to anyone other than the most hardcore of horror fans; those that like it dirty. And let me tell you something: it doesn’t get much dirtier than this. Writer/Director Damien Leone has sculpted a film that will undoubtedly shock, disturb, and yes–terrify you.

As far as plot is concerned, there’s not much to be had. Two young women work to sober up after a long night of drinking and come face to face with Art the Clown; a mute and sadomasochistic clown that  murders anyone in his path. That’s it. This is a film that you watch for violence and violence alone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Leone flexes his FX chops at every turn, consistently ratcheting up the insanity over the 80 minute runtime. Terrifier is a tour de force of mayhem and disgust, but all of that carnage comes with a few trade-offs.

Terrifier is a tour de force of mayhem and disgust.

Visually, the film is less than attractive. Shadows are crushed and highlights are burned as Art the Clown stalks his victims. But this was never meant to be a pretty film. It’s as ugly and grimy as the events within it, and it works. George Steuber’s photography allows for some truly impressive and chilling frames. Pause the movie at almost any time, and you’re sure to give the nearest coulrophobic a motherfucking panic attack.

Steuber’s photography allows for some truly impressive and chilling frames.

All of that said, you might assume that Terrifier would be about as formulaic as it gets. I know I did. Luckily, I was wrong. I found myself shocked at the events that unfolded more than once. This is a film that plays against audience expectation to an exceedingly satisfying degree of success.

Performances from our leading ladies are adequate, but it’s Art the Clown that steals the show. David Howard Thornton steps into the now iconic role and knocks it out of the park. With Epic Pictures behind the formal release, there could be a chance of a lot more Art in our future, and that makes me absurdly giddy. Every year (or month) we’re promised the next “icon of horror”, and it always fails to deliver. But Damien Leon and team did it. The circus is officially in town, and Art is a star. Not only is Terrifier an instant Halloween classic, it’s required viewing for every sick and twisted SOB out there. Watch it.

Terrifier screened at the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival on Thursday, September 28, 2017.